Definition of decay

noun (n)

• the process of gradually becoming inferior (noun.process)

  source: wordnet30
• a gradual decrease; as of stored charge or current (noun.process)

  Synonym: decline
  

  source: wordnet30
• the organic phenomenon of rotting (noun.phenomenon)

  Synonym: decomposition
  

  source: wordnet30
• an inferior state resulting from the process of decaying (noun.state)

  Example:
  The corpse was in an advanced state of decay.
  The house had fallen into a serious state of decay and disrepair.
  

  source: wordnet30
• the spontaneous disintegration of a radioactive substance along with the emission of ionizing radiation (noun.process)

  Synonym: disintegration, radioactive decay
  

  source: wordnet30
• Gradual failure of health, strength, soundness, prosperity, or of any species of excellence or perfection; tendency toward dissolution or extinction; corruption; rottenness; decline; deterioration; as, the decay of the body; the decay of virtue; the decay of the Roman empire; a castle in decay. (noun)

  source: webster1913

verb (v)

• lose a stored charge, magnetic flux, or current (verb.change)

  Synonym: decompose, disintegrate
  

  source: wordnet30
• fall into decay or ruin (verb.change)

  Synonym: crumble, dilapidate
  

  Example:
  The unoccupied house started to decay.
  

  source: wordnet30
• undergo decay or decomposition (verb.change)

  Example:
  The body started to decay and needed to be cremated.
  

  source: wordnet30
• To pass gradually from a sound, prosperous, or perfect state, to one of imperfection, adversity, or dissolution; to waste away; to decline; to fail; to become weak, corrupt, or disintegrated; to rot; to perish; as, a tree decays; fortunes decay; hopes decay. (verb)

  source: webster1913
• To cause to decay; to impair. (verb)

  source: webster1913

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